Herbal Treatment for Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

A Herbal Formula (SBL) for the Treatment of Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial

Allergic rhinitis(AR) is one of the most common allergic disorders throughout the world.The conventional therapies are effective in alleviating symptoms but the efficacy are limited and not persistent. Furthermonre, the cost and side-effect are known defects. A classical Chinese herbal formula, has been used for AR for centries. Our study purpose is to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of this formula verus placebo in perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR).

Hypothesis: the classical herbal formula would improve the symptoms of PAR patients and change some immunological parameters in the peripheral blood when comparing with the placebo.

It is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged from 18 to 65 years old
• Have typical symotoms of PAR including rhinirrhea, sneezing, nasal obstruction and itching in nose and eyes for at least 2 previous consecutive years.
• Postive skin prick test(SPT) to hose dust mite, mold, animal dander and cockcroach with regular AR medications withould for 3 days prior to the test

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women and women at risk of conception
• Received allergen injections in previous 2 years
• Regular medications for AR or cold and other allergic disorder
• Seasonal allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis and rhinitis medicamentosa
• Nasal structure deformities, nasal polyps and hypertrophic rhinitis
• Systematic cortisosteroid used within recent 3 months or nasal cortisosteroid with 15 days
• Other active respiratory disorders
• Active medical disorders: cancer, infection, hematology, renal, hepatic, cardiovascular, metabolic and gastrointestinal diseases